Greater New Orleans

Lake Charles officials honor man killed in 9/11 attacks

LAKE CHARLES — A Lake Charles overpass named in honor of a Navy petty officer killed in the Sept. 11 attacks now has a sign featuring a likeness of the officer.

The sign with the picture of Kevin Wayne Yokum was unveiled at a ceremony near the overpass Thursday morning.

The Shattuck Street overpass in Lake Charles was dedicated to Yokum in 2003. The American Press reports that Yokum died at age 27 while working in the Pentagon.

U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany was guest speaker at the dedication ceremony.

"Kevin knew when he first put that uniform on, the Navy uniform he wore so proudly, Kevin knew that at any moment, for our sake, that he could step into harm's way — for the sake of our country, for the sake of all of us," Boustany said. "And he knew that each day that he went to work, that as a member of the armed services, his job was to protects us. And he answered that call. Kevin was a true hero. Kevin was a protector of American lives. That is why we are here to honor him."

Dinah Robinson, principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary, which Yokum attended, said he is an inspiration.

"He was a hero among heroes to the children that reside in Lake Charles and children all over the world," she said.